Kat817

Unfortunately, the skin is stretched, and will not shrink again. The fat under it will---leaving less bulk, but loose skin. Rather like a balloon that has been aired up, then the air let out....smaller without a doubt, but stretched out of shape. In clothes, one would often never know....but as much as I hate it (and I DO), the truth is it will not shrink back. Other skin, such as thighs, you can fill out the skin with some muscle and they hold pretty well if they were not really big to start with. The belly seems to be the biggest issue. It is my issue right now, I am unable to exercise like I want to---the skin gets irritated--so I am doing a day on and 2-3 off while the irritation heals. Going for my referral appointment to the PS this Friday. Welcome to LBT----weight loss will not leave us perfect, but it will leave us healthier (for you, for your kids...) and even with the extra skin, the differences are amazing! Have you looked through the before and after Pix only thread??? What a place for inspiration!!! Kat

Mine requires a month--give or take a few days and his schedule. He tells you he will see you in a month, then you can decide if you need one or not....and the receptionist schedules you as close as possible to that month. Kat

Fine then....maybe it is my adorable sense of humor you love me for....you DO love me dammit! LOL Kat

Do you have an option if it appears to be too much for you too soon? Do they know at work you had this done? I would begin the next stage of foods very carefully since you will also be changing your routine at the same time. Make sure to keep your Protein up, so you do not fatigue too easily. Good Luck! Kat

Did they detail for you EXACTLY what you do need so that you might be able to pull the documentation together? I have been in your shoes, I know the devastation---I am so sorry! Kat

LOL---sorry----yeah that information might really help huh!!!??? It is Shrinkin' Violets-Part 2 Read Here. Often times it is in the links just above the reply window here.... They love me there for my beauty....obviously not my brains!! Kat

I agree totally Julie! I never try to tell them it is all easy and all fun, I am realistic, but I also let them know that I would not give up my band without a helluva fight!!!! It has given me back my life, and given me hope again, something I know they need when you hit the point of visiting with a surgeon! Kat

Jeanie---I am sorry, but all of our reservations have already been made. We had a planning thread prior to this one, with our cut off date, so that the ones local to the area could make our room, and activity arrangements. I am sure we will be planning something else, come on over to the main thread and get involved!! Then we can include you next time! Violets is short for the Shrinking Violets. The bulk of the group are April of 07 bandsters---I am an April '06 mentor to the group (who are steadily bypassing me now!!!). Being Spring time bandsters, and Violets in the spring....and the weight loss, we are shrinking---was just a name we voted on to call ourselves so we had a thread to look for!!! Your timing of banding is perfect! Come on over get to know us, let us get to know you---they are a WONDERFUL group of women, I do not know what I would do without them! Then next time you can be in on our planning from the beginning! Be sure to pop over to the other thread and introduce yourself!! Kat

You also have to keep in mind there are different sizes of bands, so what seems miniscule in one band, is way full in another....Some actually get filled the first time in surgery.... I don't know a lot about the different sizes---just that there ARE different ones!! Kat

I can eat pizza---just not half a pizza by myself anymore!!! Thin crust is easy----pan crust a slower more careful thing. When my granddaughter who is 3 wants pizza---I order a personal pan size...we share, and still have leftovers!! We go to a little family run pizza place, and the crust is not quite so dough-y. If we go in, I can even ask for it extra crispy. I even have my DH liking it extra crisp!!! The one thing I have problems with is some of the sausage---scare ya? Don't let it, it didn't agree with me pre band!!! Just trying to shake ya up a bit!! Kat

Possibly referring to fills "right here in the office"? That would be normal..... Ambulatory surgical centers are VERY common for this surgery! Bet that relieves your mind a bit, it would mine!!! Kat

Yeah, since being banded, my decorating bag---gets used to pipe in the deviled egg mixture much more often than it does for icing a cake!! Some people simply rolled their eyes at the analogy before, I am really glad someone understood what I was saying---I feel validated!!! Just kidding!!! :cursing: I am the type of person if I can wrap my mind around what I want to do, and what might be happening to me, I can deal with it better, and this keeps me chewing things well!! Still I have to relate EVERYTHING to food???? Kat

I think you have begun digging, and are now armed with at least enough questions to warrant a phone call to the office to find out if you can tour the facilities used for the surgery. It would open the communication about it....and you might get to go see---before you commit. I would also ask about an emergency---where do they transfer you to. No one likes to think something could happen, but it is always better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. You usually get to meet with your anesthesiologist prior to ANY surgery, to discuss any prior issues with anesthesia etc. So you might ask about meeting with them, that would open another door for you to look into. I have had knee surgery several times and they might consider it being done in the office, although it is a separate unit....in the same complex---and is a full Ambulatory Surgical Center----and is fully staffed, and superior to our local hospital for that type of thing, and that may be what he has, somewhere near his office----as Karen said---well worth calling and asking some questions. If they are not willing to discuss anything with you---then I would suggest another Dr. anyway. The band can be fickle, and you need to have a Dr. and team you can rely on for questions to be answered---so test them now! Kat

YEA you Jenn!!! You knew this was the one----now they are getting you a good deal....you sound like a movie star---getting a good deal!!! Let us know----it is hard to type with crossed fingers!!! Kat

I agree, I would ask---if you are not past the cough, and sometimes they do hang on, you will be recovering with the cough --which would not feel good with new incisions, and might be harmful lung-wise. I understand being anxious, but start off in a good place!!! Maybe they will just do as travelgirl said, and put you on a round of anitbiotics to be sure. The thought of all the coughing immediately post op hurts to think about! Get Well Soon!!! Kat

You said that often the first bite hurt so bad that you wait several minutes. Makes me wonder if you are not having issues with "first bite syndrome". When you have a very touchy band, and yours might very well be since you are recently filled, and possibly inflamed. The other thing that makes me wonder if this might not be a help to you is the fact that your morning drink must be hot...to loosen you up. With first bite syndrome, the pouch goes into like a spasm as soon as food hits it that it has to work to digest, and that is what causes the pain. And as it spasms it forces food back up which puts it in contact with your esophagus again, and leads to sliming, and eventual PB---or spitting it up. What I have heard recommended is to take a few sips of a very warm liquid just before you begin your meal. Let the heat relax your pouch, and then try the tiniest of bites, just slowly ease into it, with the beginning heat to relax it. This can be tried.....but if it does not produce results--I too would check into a slight unfill. The band does not have to be painful. Good Luck! Kat

It could be that he has a full operating theater on site---but I am picturing in the exam room---and wigging out!! I still think as you do, lots of questions need answers---then if his credentials check out, and the questions you ask are answered satisfactorilly---I would still ask to speak with former patients, and ask about their recovery experience, if they were rushed since it is in that type of setting. I know that lots of PS have that type of set up for privacy issues---and this may be the reason the Dr, does his this way. If you like the Dr----just ask LOTS of questions, and make sure you are safe...that is #1! Let me know---ok? Kat

When you can answer that question--we will all bow down to you and sing your name in praise....:cursing: Kat

Wow! Excellent advice---I am so glad you are ok!!! Kat

Never apologize for asking questions---the better prepared you are the better off you are!! What are some of the important things to do BEFORE your surgery? Ask lots of questions of your surgeon and his office, be well prepared---know what they expect of you each step of the way. Stock your cupboards---run any errands---get things settled so you can take a few days off torecover. What are some things you WISH you would have done? I wish I had not gone so hog wild buying up Protein drinks etc. I wish I had taste tested more, and decided on a few to have on hand, instead of still having some in the cupboard almost 2 years later!! What kind of equipment did you have to buy if any? I did not have to buy any kind of equipment, although a nice blender is good to have on hand. As for like medical equipment---I needed none---I do recommend using a dining chair next to your bed to help leverage up and down out of the laying position with. But no special equipment there!! What about food? We haven't talked about this in the office as of yet but I'm sill very curious. What about food? LOL! In the first weeks following surgery---all dependent on the Dr. as to how long---you will be on liquids only. Usually beginning with clear liquid---water, tea, broth, juice---I used a lot of Zero Carb Isopure drinks because they were clear, and had high (40g) protein per bottle---bought them at GNC. Then after the Clear Liquids, you move to full liquids--protein shakes, cream Soups et. the blender comes in handy here. Usually they consider full liquids anything that will fit through a straw. Then on to mushies---mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, soft cooked veggies, like carrots---anything really soft to digest, and finally then on to adding in regular foods. There are several threads devoted solely to foods and the stage you are in. How do you keep from getting stopped up??? Well often times the pain meds given after surgery cause constipation, but once that wears off it is not an issue. It is usually the other way around. What is referred to around here as liquid in = liquid out. It passes with additions to the diet. After normal diet resumes, your body sometimes just has to go less frequently with the lower food intake, but trying to keep Fiber intake up helps. Am I going to get to drink lots of Water when I don't eat? Yes!!! Lots of water is a good thing. Just not usually for a half an hour before or after your meal---times dependent upon individual Dr.'s. Keeping well hydrated is one of the best things you can do for yourself! If you have any more questions---be sure to ask---better to know! Welcome! Kat

Maybe since your Mom has a smaller amount of weight to lose, she will be able to learn better eating habits with you, and be able to do some exercising with you, and benefit you both. I am sure if you drop all your weight, and she does nothing, there will be a certain amount of "jealousy" if that is what you choose to call it. It would be the same with anyone---we see them doing it and want it for ourselves too. But I bet far and above that is your Mom wanting what is best for you, and for you to have good health! I know when I see my kids doing something that is not healthy for them (son smokes....) it hurts my heart! And yet I know deep down I did it til I was older than he is...we really do want the best for our kids! Ask her for her help, helping you learn to eat right after this surgery, ask if she would consider taking a healthy cooking class, or would she join a gym with you to start working out---that you really want to get healthy and you want her with you. It is just a guess, but maybe now, you guys spend a lot of time together---dining out maybe? Perhaps she is concerned you won't have as much time for her. Get her involved in helping you BOTH get healthy! Good Luck--and welcome to LBT! Kat

I ask the other day about these things I saw in GNC called Ear Candles----and that was what the picture showed, was them being lit on the outside and the smoke going into the ear! It cracked me up it said "NEVER Ear Candle alone!" What a statement! They do now how some anesthetizing eardrops available from like Walgreens or Rite Aid---they work pretty well actually. I hate earaches, they are like toothaches to me---yuck! Speaking of, I have never heard back when they want to schedule my oral surgeon appointment.....hmmmmmm. Guess I better call them. OK Judy you take the top half of the home page to create havoc and discontent, I'll take the bottom half and together we can keep 'em busy!!!! LOL Kat

I have never heard of this either. Many Dr.'s use a surgical center as opposed to a hospital, but an office, I would be questioning it too! Is there an anesthesiologist there as well, and surgical attendants (whatever they are called) as well as nurses? I was in a full hospital operating room, and they had people all over the place, an assistant surgeon, a couple of nurses, the anesthesiologist....and TONS of big equipment, used to do the surgery laproscopically. Does his office have the means to sterilize all the surgical equipment? Have you ask how many he has done this way? Or ask to speak with former patients? I ask to do both, and knew I was going to the hospital. I would be asking some serious questions of him--and the safety of this. As obese people we have a higher risk of complications in surgery---what happens in that case? How far is this office from a hospital? Does he have the ability to practice in a local hospital or has he lost privileges? By board certified---what exactly does that mean? I think you are wise to question things at this point, and would insist on more info before agreeing to what seems a risky way to do the surgery. Is there another Dr. you can use? Welcome to LBT---I look forward to seeing how this turns out! Kat

I hope WABB does not have a problem with me forwarding to you her excellent list of questions. I realize you are not going to MX, but the information is invaluable just the same and gives you further guidance in questions to ask---it is your body, and your health, you cannot be too well informed. Kat Thanks WABB!! CHECKLIST FOR CALLING SURGEONS IN Mexico Print one copy for each MD office you call to compare what each surgeon has to offer. Surgeon’s Name: City: Distance from US border: Coordinator: Dealing with surgeon’s office or booking agency? Agency name (if booking agency is used): Does the doctor have his own email list/message board for his patients? If so, what is the address? Total fees: Are fills included? If fills are included, how many and for how long? Airport you will be flying to? Is transportation included? If included, what kind of transportation is it? Who answers the phone during off business hours? (Call in the middle of the night to verify this.) Will I need to do a pre op diet? If so, what does it consist of? Will I need to do a post-op diet? If so, what does it consist of? Is surgery performed in a hospital or clinic? Will I stay in a hotel the night before surgery? Is the price of the hotel included? How many hours will I be in the hospital/clinic after surgery? Will I go to a hotel after surgery? Is that price included? If I go to a hotel after surgery, how long will I be there? How many visits from the surgeon or nurse will I receive after surgery? Specifically, which pre-op testing will be done? (Testing should be done before surgery, not during, and should include the following tests: CBC, chem. panel, UA, chest x-ray, and EKG.) Specifically, what post-op testing will be done? (Should be at least a barium swallow. A US facility cannot be a Center of Excellence without this test after surgery, and it is considered routine for most doctors.) Will I be given all my pre-op and post-op test results to take home to give to my doctor? (Should be surgical report, band serial number, all labs, EKG, and films from barium swallow.) Does the surgeon open me, place the band, and close me, or does the assistant surgeon do most of this? Will my surgeon be in the operating room during the entire procedure? Is all staff in the operating room licensed? How many licensed doctors? How many licensed nurses? How long has the doctor been placing bands? (Not performing bariatric surgery, RNY, or laparoscopic procedures, but actual bands.) What brands does the surgeon use? Is the doctor Inamed or Johnson & Johnson certified? Is the doctor certified in bariatric surgery in Mexico? (You MUST verify this, do not rely on their response.) How many bands has the doctor placed as the lead surgeon? (If this is an unknown number that usually means the stats are combined with someone else’s or he was the assistant surgeon and stood there while the actual surgeon placed the bands.) How many bands of each brand has the surgeon placed? (If the doctor claims they have placed 2500 Inamed bands yet have only purchased 200 bands from Inamed, you know they are inflating their statistics.) Statistics: (Don't let them combine stats for a total "complication" figure as that artificially lowers one of the stats and means they are hiding something. Demand specific numbers for each complication.) What are their infection statistics? (Should be less than 1%.) What are their slip statistics? (Should be less than 3%.) What are their erosion statistics? (Should be less than 1.3%.) How many Gastric Bypass procedures has the doctor done? (Goes to show skill level with tricky procedures.) How many Gastric Sleeve procedures has the doctor done? (Again, shows skill level with tricky procedures.) How many revisions from bypass to band has the doctor done? (Again, shows skill level with tricky procedures.) __________________ Goal in 10 months!!! -103lbs Alberto Aceves/Mexicali, Mexico "How to research a Mexican doctor" go to: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f11/resea...s-101-a-43575/

My DD got very concerned during her pregnancy with the chemicals her baby would be around. They had all hard wood floors---but she worried about the crib mattress, and bedding all the time! She cloth diapered with wool covers--both for the less chemical exposure, and keeping them out of the landfill. In fact she help support them making and selling wool diaper covers --making more than she did as a medical assistant! She has relaxed some, but still frets when she sees Kinsey playing on my carpet! To be 100% honest, I had never encountered anything like it, and had never thought of it. Kat